~ Stacy's Place on Earth ~: "Barenaked Jane" by Deanna Lee

Monday, January 21, 2008:

"Barenaked Jane" by Deanna Lee - review

Paperback: 240 pages
Publisher: Aphrodisia (May 1, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0758214863
ISBN-13: 978-0758214867

Jane Tilwell has a take-charge approach to life. That means dealing head-on with Mathias Montgomery, security expert and future brother-in-law to her boss at the art gallery. Surprising him during the middle of a planned "break-in," she can't deny the excitement she feels as he pins her to the floor. He's all alpha-male: arrogant, sexy, and rock-hard solid--in oh so many ways. And when he turns up at her apartment and invites himself in for a weekend of non-stop sex, Jane knows she's found her match. The heat of his body arouses her and his kisses leave her aching for more. Who is this incredibly sensual man? Why does he know her body so intimately? How can he bring her such seductive pleasure? To answer each and every question, Jane lays herself bare--ready, naked, and willing...

This was my book by Deanna Lee, and I remember seeing a good review for it somewhere, so when I was out shopping for some hot books (note: see previous post on the pitfalls that can occur) this was another one I grabbed. But in this case, I was very much pleasantly surprised.

Jane is a workaholic at an art gallery, and her habit of staying late at the office has her ending up smack-dab in the middle of a security break-in, and under the powerful, sexy body of dark-as-sin Mathias Montgomery, security specialist. A former cop who isn't easily intimidated, Jane is nevertheless thrown by the instantaneous attraction that explodes between her and Mathias. When he shows up at her apartment with a tempting proposition - a weekend of decadent pleasure - she decides to take him up on his offer and indulge in a short-lived affair. Not looking for anything permanent, this weekend arrangement suits Jane just fine.

Mathias is undeniable drawn to the sexy assistant director who tries to hurt him when he's only doing his job. Something about her affects him strongly, and he's so intensely attracted to her that he can't think straight. Spending a hot and wild weekend will go a long way towards getting her out of his system...or so he thinks. All he knows is that he can't keep away from her.

But before the weekend is over, they both know the rules have changed. Mathias is more than willing to see where it will lead, but Jane is frustrated because she's not looking for emotional complications, or a man to start telling her what she can and cannot do. Her job is her life, and temporary encounters are what she does best - they suit her plans perfectly. Of course Mathias has other ideas, and he's going to do his best to convince his stubborn temptress that sometimes the right person can come along and blow those plans all to hell.

Wow, I really, really enjoyed this book. It was hot, but it was also way more than that. At first I didn't care so much for Jane - you know, the tough, stubborn type who is determined to avoid entanglements at all costs and picks silly fights to get her way. But after a time, Jane mellowed, and I found myself liking her a lot. She was a bit intimidated by the arrogant, worldly Mathias, but as time goes by, she realizes just how well they fit together, and not just physically. Jane has some hang-ups she's carried over from her own dysfunctional family, yet Mathias is patient and firm with her, and though he wants more from her than she is willing to give, he respects her wishes for the time being, not wanting to scare her off completely.

I also loved how they developed an emotional attachment so quickly, and were not just lovers, but becoming friends who confide in each other and share intimately personal stuff instead of hiding behind the sex. I like that though Mathias was extremely self-assured, he was a bit unsure of himself when it came to Jane, but he didn't run away from his feelings for her. The more Jane and Mathias were around each other, the more Jane opens up, even going as far to open doors to old wounds she'd turned her back on and letting herself be a little vulnerable. And with that came her own unique sense of humor and confidence, which was priceless. I really liked how she let her true self shine through, not just with Mathias but with her female friends.

Both Jane and Mathias are really wonderful together, and dare I say that this straight-forward casual arrangement becomes rather sweet and romantic. I highly recommend this one and definitely plan on checking back with this author for other stories. She's definitely one to watch.

Rating: **** 1/2 out of *****

Labels: Deanna Lee, reviews